Church

Pope accepts resignation of two more Chilean bishops following abuse scandal

The decision brings to seven the number who have stepped down since a sexual abuse scandal swept the nation's Roman Catholic Church.

Traidcraft launches consultation to stave off closure in 'difficult economic climate'
Traidcraft launches consultation to stave off closure in 'difficult economic climate'

A fair trade business that has its roots in the church has admitted to supporters that it is in difficulty and risks closing its doors before the end of the year unless a new way forward can be found.

Bono meets the Pope, says he's 'aghast' over sex abuse scandal
Bono meets the Pope, says he's 'aghast' over sex abuse scandal

Bono told reporters: 'I explained to him how it looks to some people like the abusers are being more protected than the victims.'

Piers Morgan, Ann Widdecombe criticise 'nonsense' debate over whether God is male or female
Piers Morgan, Ann Widdecombe criticise 'nonsense' debate over whether God is male or female

Good Morning Britain hosted a lively debate on the gender of God on Wednesday morning, days after a bishop suggested the Church of England should embrace more female language.

People like cathedral services because they can be left alone – bishop
People like cathedral services because they can be left alone – bishop

Cathedrals should be places where people can 'slip in' and 'slip out' without being bothered by anyone, the Bishop of Chelmsford has suggested.

Amicable parting sees Hillsong leave parent denomination
Amicable parting sees Hillsong leave parent denomination

Brian Houston said the church's growth had led to it becoming a 'global church with an Australian base'.

Willow Creek names panel to oversee Bill Hybels investigation
Willow Creek names panel to oversee Bill Hybels investigation

Willow Creek has commissioned an external review group including senior evangelical figues to investigate allegations against its founder Bill Hybels.

Italian missionary priest kidnapped in Niger
Italian missionary priest kidnapped in Niger

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the kidnapping, which was confirmed on Tuesday by the Nigerien and Italian governments.

Church of England shouldn't only refer to God as he, says bishop
Church of England shouldn't only refer to God as he, says bishop

The Church of England's first female diocesan bishop has spoken in favour of a shift away from only referring to God as male.

Russia's Orthodox Church freezes ties with Constantinople over Ukraine spat
Russia's Orthodox Church freezes ties with Constantinople over Ukraine spat

Ukraine's pro-Western political leaders have sought step by step to take the former Soviet republic out of Moscow's orbit.

Pope Francis expels Chilean priest accused of child sex abuse

Pope Francis on Saturday expelled a Chilean priest under investigation in a case involving the sexual abuse of children.

Pope tells the Mafia to repent

Pope Francis appealed to Sicily's Mafia on Saturday to abandon a life of crime and violence, saying the island needed "men and women of love, not men and women 'of honor,'" using the term mobsters apply to themselves.

94-year-old veteran skydives for Christian work 74 years after parachuting into Normandy on D-Day
94-year-old veteran skydives for Christian work 74 years after parachuting into Normandy on D-Day

Despite turning 94 this year, great-great grandfather Harry Read jumped from the skies once more on Friday to raise money for The Salvation Army's work to stop anti trafficking and modern day slavery.

Manchester to host major cathedrals conference
Manchester to host major cathedrals conference

Representatives of every English cathedral are to gather in Manchester next week for a conference billed as the first of its kind.

Anglicans in Parliament back next generation of women leaders
Anglicans in Parliament back next generation of women leaders

Women who represent the Church of England in Parliament have spoken out about what it means to be a female leader.

Indian nuns demand justice for sister allegedly assaulted by bishop
Indian nuns demand justice for sister allegedly assaulted by bishop

A group of Indian Catholic nuns are staging a rare street protest in the southern state of Kerala demanding justice after an alleged sexual assault of a nun by a bishop.